"Then we can make some speed!" exclaimed Dick. "We've been crawling all morning."
He was at the wheel, and as he started to descend the slope he looked to see that the brake levers were clear. There were three on the big car—the ordinary foot-pedal brake, a hand one for hard stops, and an emergency that locked all four wheels.
The Last Word started down the slope, and half way to the bottom something snapped.
"What's that?" cried Innis.
"One of the brakes, I'm afraid," answered Dick.
The car gathered speed. The young millionaire had shut off all power and was coasting. Now he reached for the emergency brake, but the handle was loose in his hand.
The hill was steep—the car heavy, and it was acquiring speed. The foot and ordinary hand brake were powerless to check it.
"We're running down hill!" cried Innis.
"That's what we are," agreed Dick, grimly.